Creating Sustainable Energy Solutions

The Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI) is driving change in the way we deliver, consume and think about energy. Working with government, industry and international partners our research is solving societal issues and addressing challenges relating to energy poverty, the circular economy, transport systems, cooling, hydrogen, energy storage and the decarbonisation of heat.

The Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI) is developing and applying the technological innovation, original thinking and new ways of working required to create sustainable energy solutions and support the regional, national and global transition to a zero carbon energy system.

A research focussed institute, we are driving change in the way we deliver, consume and think about energy. Bringing together interdisciplinary research from across the University of Birmingham and working with government, industry and international partners our research is solving societal issues and addressing challenges relating to energy poverty, the circular economy, transport systems, cooling, hydrogen, energy storage and the decarbonisation of heat.

For more information, visit the Birmingham Energy Institute webpages.

Our institute has nationally recognised centres of excellence across a range of energy research, including energy storage; nuclear energy; strategic elements and critical materials; fuel cells and their applications; and energy policy and economics.

The BEI also includes nationally-leading research capabilities in clean cold, smart grids and integration, bioenergy, wind energy and energy materials.

Through our collaborative partnerships we are able to share ideas and expertise to overcome existing challenges, upscale innovative technology solutions and maximise on the opportunities created by the global energy market.

Locally, we are working with Tyseley Energy Park to transform clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands region. Applying our research and working with industry to deliver low and zero carbon power, transport, heat and waste for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham.

As a part of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA), the BEI is working alongside seven other universities to undertake innovative research, develop the next generation of energy leaders and demonstrate low carbon technologies that will help shape the future of the UK’s energy landscape.

The Birmingham Energy Institute is driving the decarbonisation of the energy sector to help achieve the Government’s ambitious net zero by 2050 target.

We are harnessing expertise from the fundamental sciences and engineering through to business and economics to carry out co-ordinated research, develop new technologies and shape policy to address the challenges facing today’s energy system.

Through our partnerships with industry, academia, policy makers and other key stakeholders the BEI is reshaping the way we generate and use energy, improve the lives of people suffering from fuel poverty and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Professor Martin Freer

Professor Martin Freer

Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI)

Discover more

  • Tyseley Energy Park

    The BEI is supporting Tyseley Energy Park’s mission is to transform clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands region. We are applying our research and working with industry to deliver low and zero carbon power, transport, heat and waste for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham.

  • ATETA

    The ATETA project offers funded support from the BEI across a range of technical disciplines. The project enables businesses to access world-class expertise and laboratory facilities for testing and evaluation.

  • Climate Innovation Platform

    The BEI in partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, is looking for business committed to driving energy technology innovation to join the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP). Supported by HSBC UK, CIP offers businesses a package of tailored support to drive the commercialisation of innovative ene

  • Energy Incubation Hub

    The Energy Incubation Hub offers integrated packages of support to drive business growth amongst low-carbon energy businesses. These exciting, new initiatives bring together the office and workshop space available at TEP with and the energy expertise and research facilities of the University of Birm

  • Powering Birmingham

    The BEI is working in partnership with stakeholders across the city of Birmingham, exploring bold and coordinated approaches to tackling energy-related challenges and drive the change needed, providing academic leadership and support.

  • National Centre for the Decarbonisation of Heat

    The decarbonisation of heat is the major energy challenge that the UK faces over the coming decades and for the West Midlands region, this presents a major opportunity.

  • Influencing policy

    The BEI draws on the broad capabilities and expertise at the University of Birmingham and its strong relationship with collaborators from academia and industry, to produce studies and policy documents addressing the challenges facing today’s energy system.

  • Education

    Technology and policy offer key routes for the delivery of transformational change. However, without the creation of talent and skills, the capacity to deliver the change is missing. The BEI has developed a range of educational programmes, with a track record of delivering quality graduates to creat